New Self- Ephesians 4:24

22 So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to—the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. 23 Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, 24 and you must put on the new self, which is created in God’s likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy.

Ephesians 4:22-24 (GNT)

Paul asks believers to discard their sinful nature (their old self) and embrace an entirely new way of life, being transformed, renewed in righteousness, and changed into a new self.

22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.

Ephesians 4:22 (NLT)

This new self is transformed by the Holy Spirit’s renewing our thoughts, attitudes, hearts, and minds.

23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes

-Ephesians 4:23 (NLT)

When you open your heart to Jesus, your life is transformed and renewed from within.

21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him,

-Ephesians 4:21 (NLT)

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. We need to transform our lives to be like Jesus and live a life that is upright and holy.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

– John 14:6 (NIV)

We were created to be like God; we need to cast off our old way of life and be renewed by the Spirit and transformed by Jesus into a new self.

20-24 But that’s no life for you. You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you. Ephesians 4:22-24 (MSG)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, help us to cast off our old ways of life and embrace a new self that is upright and holy. Let us learn from the Holy Spirit and transform our hearts and minds. Teach us to cast off our sinful ways and grow to be like Jesus. Like the glowing white pansy, let us glow with Your light and wash us white as snow into a new self. Amen

Great Gain – 1 Timothy 6:6

6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. -1 Timothy 6:6-7 (NIV)

Paul is writing to Timothy, explaining spiritual wealth. Spiritual wealth comes from godliness, “the practice of conforming to the laws and wishes of God” (dictionary.com). The greatest gain is found in following Christ rather than pursuing and amassing great wealth. For devoutness and moral uprightness lead to inner contentment.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. – 1 Timothy 6:6 (NKJV)

When we choose to be content with spiritual wealth rather than through material riches, we are following God’s desire for us. For what we treasure is where our heart will be.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – Matthew 6:21 (NIV)

A contented heart is worth more than wealth. Choosing godliness leads us to contentment and brings great gain.

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, thank You for our salvation through Your son Jesus’s death for our sins. Teach us to embrace spiritual wealth rather than striving to amass worldly wealth. Let us realize that godliness with contentment is a great gain. Like the lily blossoms are facing upward following the sun, let us turn our face toward Jesus and follow Your son. Amen.

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Praise His Name – Psalm 96:2

Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.

– Psalm 96:2 (NIV)

1-2 Sing God a brand-new song!
Earth and everyone in it, sing!
Sing to God—worship God!

2-3 Shout the news of his victory from sea to sea,
Take the news of his glory to the lost,
News of his wonders to one and all!

5-6 God made the heavens—
Royal splendor radiates from him,
A powerful beauty sets him apart.

7 Bravo, God, Bravo!
Everyone join in the great shout: Encore!
In awe before the beauty, in awe before the might.

Psalm 96: 1-6 (MSG)

🎶Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. 🎶

Psalm 96:2 (NIV)

Amen! 🌺

Spirit and Truth – John 4:24

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth”

John 4:24 (NKJV)

God is a spirit transcending our physical limitations; he is not restricted to being in a single location. Our God is immortal and omnipresent. He is infinite, invisible, and intelligent. He can be in all places at once; he is not like an idol limited to one spot, for God can be worshipped at any time or place.

How do we worship in spirit and truth? By worshipping God sincerely, with all our heart, mind, and soul, and in our actions.

“36 Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. -Matthew 22:36-37 (ESV)

Worshipping in the spirit involves our minds, will, and emotions, having a genuine connection to God. It is important to worship Him with gratitude, adoration, and thanksgiving. Worshiping in truth means worshiping honestly, believing in God, and trusting Him and His promises.

23-24 “It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.” John 4 : 23-24 (MSG)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for Your love, grace, and mercy. Help us to develop a closer genuine connection with You. Teach us to worship in the spirit; with sincerity and truth, in honesty, and, with thanksgiving. Like the flower of the sunflower seeks the sun, let us seek You worshiping You in spirit and truth. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

Known By God – 1 Corinthians 8:3

But if someone loves God, he is known by God. – 1 Corinthians 8:3 (NET)

Paul is stressing what matters in life is love. In verse three, He uses the Greek word agapao for love, which means selfless love, to love dearly, to take pleasure in, to wish well, and to esteem. Our goal as Christians is not only knowledge; our main guiding principles are to love God and love and exhibit kindness to others.

But if anyone loves God [with awe-filled reverence, obedience and gratitude], he is known by Him [as His very own and is greatly loved]. -1 Corinthians 8:3 (AMP)

As verse three states, those who love God are known by God. God loves them, and they belong to Him, children of God.

Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. -1 John 3:1 (ASV)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, our guide, our strength, and our protector. Guide us in Your truth and light. We are thankful that we are known by You and for Your unconditional love for us. May our love for you be shown in all we do. Like the blue hydrangea flower brings joy to summer days, let us flower and spread Your joy and love to all. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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